Weapon sighting system

ABSTRACT

A laser sight for a gun having a stock and an accessory mounting rail, which includes a laser sight that has a housing having a longitudinal axis. The housing has a front end, and a rear end spaced from the front end along the longitudinal axis, and includes a laser module disposed in the housing proximate the front end. The laser sight further includes an optical sighting system that has a front sight disposed on top of the housing adjacent the front end, and a rear sight disposed on top of the housing proximate the rear end.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/394,732 filed on Jun. 21, 2011. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/507,634 filed on Jul. 14, 2011. The entire disclosure of each of the U.S. patent applications mentioned in this paragraph is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a device and system for targeting fire from a long arm. More particularly, this invention relates to a laser and optical sighting system which is configured and adapted to be mounted on a long arm. This invention also relates to a method of targeting fire from a long arm.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a device, system, and method of sighting a target with a long arm that reduces parralex error and increases targeting accuracy.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a laser sight and mount of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear, left, top perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 5 is rear view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a sketch of test conditions for a 15 meter test and a 25 meter test.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a laser sight and mount 10 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the device includes a laser sight 12, and optical sight 14, and a mount 16 that is configured and dimensioned for attachment to a Picatinny rail. Additionally, the laser sight includes a housing 18 for a laser module 20, which may include a light emitting diode. The laser module may be controlled by an integrated circuit 78 based system 80, 82 installed within the housing. In addition, a battery 76 for operating the system is contained within the housing. Preferably, the integrated circuit 78 is a microprocessor, however, the integrated circuit may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Referring to FIG. 1, received in housing 18 is a circuit or control board, generally 80, 82, which carries laser module 20 and battery 84. Battery 84 engages electrical contacts 74, 76, which, in cooperation with other electrical connections (not shown) provide power to the laser module 20, under the control of a microprocessor, generally 78, provided on board 80.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the laser sight has a front end 22 and a rear end 22. In the disclosed embodiment, the laser module 20 is situated in the center of the front end 22 of the housing 18. The laser module 20 may be operable via a switch on the laser sight and mount. When the laser sight 12 is turned on, the laser module 20 emits a laser beam 28 at a wavelength of about 635 nanometers to 650 nanometers. The laser beam 28 may illuminate a target approximately 200 to 300 meters away, depending on external conditions. The laser beam 28 may be a continuous emission or a pulsed emission.

The laser module 20 is independently adjustable for elevation and windage. The laser module may be adjusted for elevation by changing the vertical elevation (i.e., the z-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system) of the laser module. The laser elevation regulation mechanism 30 raises or lowers the laser module 20 along the vertical axis of the device. For example, a screw mechanism 30 may be used such that turning the knob 30 clockwise raises the elevation (i.e., increases the value of the z coordinate) of the laser module and turning the screw counterclockwise lowers the elevation (decreases the value of the z coordinate) of the laser module. Mechanisms for adjusting for laser and optical sights for elevation and windage are discussed in US published application no. 2010/0175297, which is incorporated herein by reference.

By contrast, the laser module windage regulation mechanism 32 moves the laser module in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis (or z-axis). The laser module windage regulation mechanism 32 translates the laser module 20 along the horizontal axis (or x-axis) of the Cartesian frame of reference. Thus, the laser module windage regulation mechanism 32 moves the laser module 20 toward or away from the right side 34 of the device. For example, the laser module windage regulation mechanism 32 may use a screw mechanism such that turning the screw 32 clockwise translates the laser module away from the right side of the device (i.e., increases the value of the x-coordinate) and turning the screw counterclockwise translates the laser module toward the right side of the device (decreases the value of the x-coordinate).

Preferably, the rear optical sight 14 b is integral to the rear cover 36 of the device. Preferred dimensions for the optical sighting system are provided in Table 1 (below). The rear optical sight 14 b includes a raised central notch 38. As shown in FIG. 3, each side 40 of the raised notch 38 has a width L3 and L4, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, L3 and L4 are the same distance and have a value of between 1.4 to 1.6 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the value of L3 and L4 is 1.5 mm. The notch 38 has a width L2. In a preferred embodiment, the value of L2 is between 3.70 mm and 3.80 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the value of L2 is 3.75 mm.

TABLE 1 Optical Sight Dimensions Most Preferred Dimension Preferred Range Parameter (mm) (mm) L1 3.7 3.6-3.8 L2 3.75 3.70-3.80 L3 1.5 1.4-1.6 L4 1.5 1.4-1.6 L5 34.5 34.45-34.55 L6 5.42 5.32-5.52 L7 0.58 0.53-0.63 a 18.5 18.49-18.51 b 7.5 7.49-7.51 α 39° —

Additionally, the rear side 42 of the rear optical sight 14 b may include a pair of visual guides 44 a, 44 b. Each visual guide 44 may lead the eye of a user to the raised central notch 38. The visual guides 44 a and 44 b may include a pair of grooves 46. Each groove 46 may be more narrow at its base 48 then at the notch 38. Each groove 46 may intersect the notch 38. The combined effect of the visual guides 44 is to draw the shooter's focus to the sight picture presented by the rear sight 14 b and front sight 14 a. Each groove may include a material 50 (e.g., tritium) that provides illumination for enhanced visibility during use in low light conditions.

The front optical sight 14 a is spaced from the rear sight 14 b along the central axis 52 of the device. Preferred dimensions for the location and dimensions of the front optical sight 14 a with respect to the rear optical sight 14 b are presented in FIGS. 4 and 5.

As shown in FIG. 3, the front sight 14 a may be spaced from the rear sight 14 b by a distance L5. In a preferred embodiment, the distance L5 is between 34.0 mm and 35.0 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the distance L5 is 34.5 mm.

As shown in FIG. 4, the front sight 14 a may be situated at a slightly higher elevation than the rear sight 14 b. In a preferred embodiment, the front sight 14 a is between 0.53 mm and 0.63 mm higher in elevation than the rear sight 14 b. In a most preferred embodiment, the vertical distance between the top 54 of the front sight 14 a and the top 56 of the rear sight 14 b is 0.58 mm.

As shown in FIG. 3, the front sight may have a width L1. In a preferred embodiment, the distance L1 is between 3.8 mm and 3.6 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the distance L1 is 3.7 mm. The preferred dimensions for L1 may reduce the amount of parallex error in sighting a target at a distance of 25 m.

The front sight 14 a further may include a recessed portion 58 which extends from the top rear surface of the rear sight downward. The recess 58 may be placed such that it is viewable to a user within the notch 38 of the rear sight 14 b. The effect of viewing the recess 58 within the notch 38 may be such that it provides a visual indication of the planar orientation of the sighting system, as well as a visual mark for the line of fire. Further, the recess 58 may include a material 50 (e.g., tritium) that provides illumination for enhanced visibility during use in low light conditions.

The front and rear sights 14 a, 14 b are independently adjustable to compensate for elevation and windage. The rear sight 14 b may be adjusted for elevation by changing the vertical elevation (i.e., the z-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system) of the rear sight. The rear sight elevation regulation screw 60 raises or lowers the rear sight 14 b along the vertical axis of the device. For example, a screw mechanism may be used such that turning the screw 60 clockwise raises the elevation (i.e., increases the value of the z coordinate) of the rear sight 14 b and turning the screw counterclockwise lowers the elevation (decreases the value of the z coordinate) of the rear sight 14 b.

The front optical sight 14 a may be adjusted for windage by changing the horizontal position of the front sight. For example, the front sight windage elevation screw 62 moves the front sight 14 a in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis (i.e., z-axis). The front sight windage elevation screw translates the front sight along the horizontal axis (i.e., x-axis) of the Cartesian frame of reference. Thus, the front sight windage elevation screw 62 moves the front sight 14 a toward or away from the right side of the device. For example, the front sight windage elevation screw 62 may use a screw mechanism such that turning the screw 62 clockwise translates the front sight 14 a away from the right side 34 of the device (i.e., increases the value of the x-coordinate) and turning the screw counterclockwise translates the front sight 14 a toward the right side 34 of the device (decreases the value of the x-coordinate).

Tables 2 and 3 each summarize test conditions of five sets of shot groupings taken from a distance of 15 m and 25 m, respectively. In both shooting events, a Glock 17 mounted on a KPOS Device from FAB Defense, Ltd. was used to fire Magtech 174 Grains-FMC-Flat/Magtech 125 Grains-FMC-RN ammunition at stationary targets for precision and regulation shooting.

Referring to Table 2 and FIG. 6, in the first test, the distance d3 between the shooter 64 and the target 66 was 15 meters. The distance d2 between the shooter's eye 68 and the front sight 72 of the aiming system was about 30 centimeters. The distance d1 between the rear sight 70 and the front sight 72 was 3.45 cm. Five shot groupings were fired at the target 66. Each shot grouping had 5 rounds. The first shot grouping was taken using a front sight 14 a having a width of 2.9 mm. The second shot grouping was taken using a front sight 14 a having a width of 3.6 mm. The third shot grouping was taken using a front sight 14 a, having a width of 3.7 mm. The fourth shot grouping was taken using a front sight 14 a, having a width of 3.8 mm. The fifth shot grouping was taken using a front sight 14 a, having a width of 4.0 mm.

TABLE 2 Five Sets of Shot Groupings Taken from a Distance of 15 m Front Shoot- Num- sight ing ber Grouping Grouping width condi- of of all of best (mm) tion shots shots three shots Result 2.9 Sitting 5 1.5 × 2.3 inch 0.7 × 1.25 inch very with good support 3.6 Sitting 5 1.25 × 1.35 inch 0.6 × 0.75 inch excel- with lent support 3.7 Sitting 5 1.5 × 1.25 inch 0.5 × 0.9 inch excel- with lent support 3.8 Sitting 5 4 × 1.75 inch 1.2 × 0.6 inch good with support 4.0 Sitting 5 2.3 × 2.75 inch 1.35 × 1 inch good with support

Each shot grouping, in addition to the best three shots of each group, was measured. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight 14 a, having a width of 2.9 mm, was 0.7 inches by 1.25 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.88 inches². This was considered a very good result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight 14 a, having a width of 3.6 mm, was 0.6 inches by 0.75 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.45 inches². This was considered an excellent result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 3.7 mm, was 0.5 inches by 0.9 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.45 inches². This also was considered an excellent result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 3.8 mm, was 1.2 inches by 0.6 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.72 inches². This was considered a good result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 4.0 mm, was 1.35 inches by 1 inch, which corresponds to an area of approximately 1.35 inches². This also was considered a good result.

Referring to Table 3 and FIG. 6, in the second test, the distance d3 between the shooter 68 and the target 66 was 25 meters. The distance d2 between the shooter's eye 68 and the front sight 72 of the aiming system was about 30 centimeters. The distance dl between the rear sight 70 and the front sight 72 was 3.45 cm. Five shot groupings were fired at the target. Each shot grouping had five rounds. The first shot grouping was taken using a front sight having a width of 2.9 mm. The second shot grouping was taken using a front sight having a width of 3.6 mm. The third shot grouping was taken using a front sight, having a width of 3.7 mm. The fourth shot grouping was taken using a front sight, having a width of 3.8 mm. The fifth shot group was taken using a front sight, having a width of 4.0 mm.

TABLE 3 Five Sets of Shot Groupings Taken from a Distance of 25 m Front Shoot- Num- sight ing ber Grouping Grouping width condi- of of all of best (mm) tion shots shots three shots Result 2.9 Sitting 5 2.25 × 3.25 inch 0.9 × 1.7 inch good with support 3.6 Sitting 5 2.25 × 2 inch 0.6 × 1.15 inch excel- with lent support 3.7 Sitting 5 2.5 × 2.2 inch 0.5 × 1.2 inch excel- with lent support 3.8 Sitting 5 3.7 × 2.5 inch 0.3 × 1.55 inch good with support 4.0 Sitting 5 3.5 × 2.75 inch 1.5 × 2 inch regular with support

Each shot grouping, in addition to the best three shots of each group, was measured. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 2.9 mm, was 0.9 inches by 1.7 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 1.53 inches². This was considered a marginally good result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 3.6 mm, was 0.6 inches by 1.15 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.69 inches². This was considered an excellent result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 3.7 mm, was 0.5 inches by 1.2 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.60 inches². This also was considered an excellent result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 3.8 mm, was 0.3 inches by 1.55 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.46 inches². The grouping of all five shots, however, was 3.7 inches×2.5 inches, which corresponds to an area of 9.25 inches². Accordingly, this was considered a good result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 4.0 mm, was 1.50 inches by 2 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 3.00 inches². This was considered a regular (or average) result. An observation from the test indicates that the 4.0 mm front sight blocked the shooter's view of the target, and thus interfered with aiming the gun at the 25 meter distance.

The best results for the shot groupings taken from the 15 meter distance and the 25 meter distance were the shot groupings taken with the front sight having a width of 3.6 mm and 3.7 mm.

In view of the above findings, the sighting system of FIGS. 1-5 may have a front sight of width L1. In a preferred embodiment, the distance L1 is between 3.8 mm and 3.6 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the distance L1 is 3.7 mm. The preferred dimensions for L1 are believed to reduce the amount of parallex error in sighting a target at a distance of 25 m.

While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed herein fulfills a need, it is appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. Features and/or elements from one embodiment may be used with other embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention is intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which would come within the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A laser sight for a gun having a stock and an accessory mounting rail comprising: a laser sight which comprises, a housing having a longitudinal axis which comprises a front end, and a rear end spaced from the front end along the longitudinal axis a laser module disposed in the housing proximate the front end, an integrated circuit disposed in the housing and operably associated with the laser module, such that the integrated circuit regulates light emissions from the laser module, and a battery storage area disposed in the housing and configured to receive a power source for energizing the laser module and the integrated circuit, and an optical sighting system which comprises, a front sight disposed on the top of the housing adjacent the front end, the front sight defining a first member which comprises a first upper surface having a first width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a rear sight disposed on the top of the housing proximate the rear end, the rear sight defining a second member which comprises a second upper surface and a third upper surface, the second and third upper surfaces being separated by a notch, the second upper surface being spaced a first distance from the first upper surface and a second distance from the third upper surface, and the first upper surface rises above the second and third upper surfaces. 